Page 6 of Shadows of Eternity

“Well, you be careful,” Janae said again as she pulled up in front of Leia’s apartment. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

“Nowyou’requotingStar Warsmovies,” Leia muttered as she stepped out of the car. “Good night, Obi Wan.”

“ ‘Night.”

Leia waved as she opened her apartment door and stepped inside. Older than he looked? What did that mean?

Rohan strolled the dark streets of the city, his thoughts focused on Leia. There was something about her, something rare that called to him. Even now, he could smell her scent—the flowery fragrance of her hair and perfume, the unique scent of her skin, the enticing scent of her blood that was hers alone. He had been sorely tempted to steal her away. Perhaps he still would. He wanted to know her better, touch her, taste her, arouse her until she begged him to take her.

It had been years—perhaps decades—since he had been so attracted to a woman.

Years since he had gone back home to where it all began.

Chapter Three

Leia was by turns excited and apprehensive on Saturday night as she dressed for her date with Rohan. She hadn’t been this jittery since her first date back in high school, she mused as she applied her lipstick. Maybe she was just a little nervous because she’d never had a date with a man who exuded so much raw masculinity, or who was so blatantly handsome, or one who was famous. She told herself there was nothing to worry about. Janae knew she was going out with him and would sound the alarm should Leia fail to report in when she got home.

When it was time to leave, she took a last look in the mirror, called Janae to let her know she was on her way, and left her apartment.

It was a short drive to the theater. She parked her car, then walked to the stage door. Unlike the other night, he was the first one out.

Rohan smiled when he saw her. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”

“Oh?”

He nodded. “I sensed your hesitation last night. If it will make you feel safer, we can take separate cars.” He lifted one brow, waiting for her answer. “Leia?”

She hesitated as Janae’s warning drifted through her mind, then shook her head. Janae was making her paranoid. Smiling, she said, “All right.”

“I was thinking we’d go to Manchester’s. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes.”

“See you in a few minutes.”

Leia felt foolish as she walked back to her car. If she didn’t trust him enough to be in a car with him, why had she agreed to go out with him? Still, better to err on the side of caution. It seemed there were always stories on the news of women disappearing without a trace. Better safe than sorry, she told herself as she drove to the nightclub.

Manchester’s was an upscale club and restaurant with a large dance floor and live music on the weekends.

Rohan was waiting for her at the entrance when she arrived. “Have you had dinner?”

“Yes.” Warmth spread through her when he reached for her hand.

They bypassed the restaurant and found a table in the bar. A waiter came to take their order. Rohan opted for a glass of red wine. Leia asked for a Sea Breeze.

“So,” Rohan said, “tell me about yourself.”

It was hard to think when he was looking at her. His eyes were dark and beautiful. “There isn’t much to tell. I was lucky enough to find a job teaching as soon as I graduated from college and I love it. My parents live in Hollywood. My mother is a script girl. She’s crazy about movies, especiallyStar Wars. My father is head of security for one of the major studios.”

“Interesting. I guess you’re a big movie buff, too.”

“Oh, yes. Growing up, the walls in my bedroom were lined with posters from blockbuster movies. I have three autograph books, all filled with famous signatures.”

“I would have thought you’d follow in the family footsteps.”

“I wanted to be an actress when I was a little girl,” she confessed. “I even had a few screen tests, but … ” She shrugged.“No discernable talent in that area. What about you? How did you get into Native dancing professionally?”

“Dancing is natural to most of my people. The steps have been handed down for generations. War dances, friendship dances, rain dances, dances to ensure a good hunt.”

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